Aberdeen leaving nothing to chance against Daugava

The Aberdeen squad are put through their paces ahead of the Europa League clash. Picture: SNS

ABERDEEN playmaker Barry Robson insists the Dons will leave nothing to chance when they take on little-known Daugava Riga.

The Pittodrie side have been handed an early return to action as they host the Latvian outfit in the Europa League first qualifying round first leg on Thursday.

But Robson claims Derek McInnes’ side will be well clued-up on the Baltic minnows as they kick off what they hope will be a successful run to the group stages.

He told RedTV: “The preparation has been as good we could have had it - it’s been excellent. We now have to go on and make sure that we turn in a good performance against this team.

“Of course we know them. That’s the way the manager works. He will be looking at everything. We have already had a look at their style of play and other little details and we will step that up before the match.

“The manager’s had them watched, we’ve got some video analysis. We don’t take anything lightly at this football club any more.

“Everything’s done to a standard and we have to go out and play to a certain standard to match that.”

The League Cup winners are hoping to have a full house for their first European fixture in five years.

And Robson is impressed by the fact the Dons supporters are ready to turn out in strength once more just six weeks on from the end of last season.

“It’s credit to them that we are looking at another big crowd,” said the former Scotland midfielder. “I’m a great believer in giving the fans a break over the summer, especially with the money they are asked to spend.

“We haven’t had much of a break to be honest. But it’s testament to the fans and how good they’ve been to us last season as well that they are turning out agin and we need them this season.

“They were great for us and they help us along so if they keep coming in their numbers that’ll do nicely.”

Aberdeen will include former Cheltenham goalkeeper Scott Brown and defender Ash Taylor in the squad ahead of the first-leg meeting.

Shaleum Logan - who spent the second half of last season on loan with the Dons - has also returned after being released by Brentford, while Adam Rooney returns after missing the final game of last season with an ankle knock.